Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-04-04
HARRY WILKES.
The Great Trotter Lowers His Record
to 2:13 1-e.


to 2:I3 I-2.
fSan Francisco Call.
AT the Bay District Track, on Saturday,
before the 2:1S-class trot had begun Frank
Van Ness appeared upon the track holding
the ribbons over Harry Wilkes. His ap-
pearance was the signal for much applause.
The horse moved around the track with
that easy, graceful stride which, when once
seen in all its perfection, never is forgotten.
In the mean time the betting on the prob
able result of his attempt was going on
briskly at the pool-boxes. Odds were
freely offered on 4" time" and against
Wilkes at rates of $50 to SIS. Those. who
had confidence in the little horse played
him patiently, while those who imagined
that he would not be driven out as regu-
larly bought the other end. A large amount
went into the box.
AT the conclusion of the second heat the
Judges announced that Wilkes would move.
Quite little freeze had sprung up on the
back stretch. into the teeth of which the
bay would have to travel This fact was
noticed and nearly every one united in
agreeing that the feat attempted would fail
of accomplishment.
The little bay came down the stretch.
A nod from Van Ness. a shouted "Gow
from the judges and the noble horse was
off. He went to the stables like a ma
chine Rounding the turn, be gathered
speed, and, with his bay back flashing, he
passed the quarter-mile post in 344 seconds
1t was then that he began to increase his
speed. He did not miss a STEP He did
not make skip. But faster and faster did
he go, with that regular, methodical stride
of his, which seemed to lift him over the
ground as though he were possessed of
wings. The watches marked 1:07I at the
half-mile post.
He won't beat itl' was the cry that
went up from every hand
- He can't beat 2:1Sr' shouted others.
/" A thousand to hundred he don't do
it J" shouted another individual, and yet no
one would take the Odds Still on went
Harry, never swerving, never shirking the
work before him. Into the upper turn he
swept increasing his gait at every stride.
He will beat it l'' He will r' HE
willr' frantically yelled those who had
pinned their faith on the horse, as he
turned into the straight and came for the
wire.
THE MAGIC FIGURES.
Only once did Van Ness have to touch
Harry with a whip, and that was as he
neared the drawgate. The horse seemed
to realize what was wanted of him, and he
fairly SKINNED over the ground. As he
neared the wire a hundred hands fever
ishly grasped as many watches. Nearer
and nearer he drew. Then, in flash, he
crossed the line. a silence of second,
and then a grand shout went up, which in
creased into perfect tumult of hurrahing
as the time-keepers hung out the magic
figures 2134, and every one knew that the
great feat had been accomplished. Men
threw their hats into the air. Ladies
waved their snowy handkerchiefs.
When Van Ness drove back to the stand
he was greeted with tremendous enthusi-
asm, and in response modestly doffed his
cap and smiled with satisfaction The
noble Harry, as gentle as can be imagined,
seemed to understand what be had done
and to appreciate the honors he was re-
ceiving.
The horse was led up in front of the
stand, and Miss Gussie B. Hinchman,
daughter of President B. Hinchman, of the
Bay District Association, placed magnif-
cent floral collar about the victorious ami
mails neck. The people cheered and Harry
was led away.
VALUABLE PRESENT.
In consideration of his success in train
ing Wilkes, and in beating his record so
cleverly, Frank Van Ness was presented
with a magnificent $500 diamond ring by
Mr.. Sire, who took it off his finger and
gave it to him after the time was an
nounced.